Saturn

Saturn

Proper noun · /ˈsætən/ · the sixth planet from the Sun; also the Roman god of agriculture and time

Definition

Saturn has two primary meanings in English. As an astronomical term, Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest in the Solar System, instantly recognisable by its spectacular system of rings made of ice and rock. As a proper noun from classical mythology, Saturn is the ancient Roman god of agriculture, time, and renewal — identified with the Greek god Cronus. Saturn is also the root of the English word Saturday, named after the god, and gives its name to the element of lead in alchemical tradition and to the adjective saturnine, meaning gloomy or slow-moving.

Origin

From Latin Saturnus, of uncertain ultimate origin — possibly from Etruscan Satre or from Latin satus, meaning sowing, linking the god to agriculture and planting. The planet was named after the god in antiquity because it was the slowest-moving of the known planets, and slowness was associated with the god of time. The word enters English directly from Latin through its use in astronomy, mythology, and the naming of days.